The president of the United States, Donald Trump, described Friday to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “great friend” and a “very intelligent man.” He made these statements in information about the White House press, where he reaffirmed his position on the high rates of India.
“Prime Minister Modi was recently here, and we have always been very good friends. India is one of the highest nations of the world’s orientations. They are very intelligent,” Trump said. “He is a very intelligent man and a great friend of mine. We had very good talks. I think he will work very well between India and our country. And I mean you have a great prime minister.”
The United States prepares to implement reciprocal tariffs in several countries, including India, as of April 2. Trump has constantly criticized the commercial policies of India, qualifying him as ‘King of the Tarifa’ and describing his import tariffs as ‘very unfair and strong’.
Trump had said in a previous statement: “I have a very good relationship with India, but the only problem I have with India is that they are one of the highest orientation nations in the world. I think they will probably reduce those rates substantially, but on April 2, we will charge you the same tariffs that accuse us.”
After the visit of the United States of Prime Minister Modi in February, where both leaders agreed to negotiate the initial phase of a multisectoral commercial agreement (BTA) for the autumn of 2025, Trump made several statements regarding international commercial relations.
Previously, Trump had criticized the commercial practices of India, stating that “they have the highest rates” and “it is a difficult place to do business.” Trump had said: “We will soon impose reciprocal tariffs: they charge us, we charge them. Whatever a company or a country, such as India or China, we want to be fair; therefore, reciprocal.”
He continued: “We have never done that. We were preparing to do it until Covid hit.” When specifically addressing the automotive import tariffs of India, Trump said, “India charges American automatic rates greater than 100%.”
During his speech to a joint session of the United States Congress, Trump confirmed the implementation of reciprocal taxes on April 2, expressing that the United States had faced the exploitation of almost all nations worldwide and promised to avoid such practices.
In addition, it addressed the tariffs imposed by the European Union, China, Brazil and Mexico, indicating that the United States would implement the corresponding tariffs based on the treatment of other nations of the United States.
In an Oval office statement on Thursday, Trump announced a 25% tariff on all imported vehicles entering the United States, describing it as “very exciting” for national manufacturing.
The new tariffs, which begin on April 2, will affect approximately half of all vehicles sold in the United States, including US brands produced abroad. This comprehensive policy intends to encourage car manufacturers to establish additional production facilities within the territory of the United States.